Featherstone furlough most staff

Featherstone Rovers have announced they have placed most of their staff, including players and staff, on furlough leave on account of the coronavirus.

The game is currently suspended indefinitely and the country has been put on lockdown as we try to stop the spread of the virus.

The club have confirmed that they wish to take advantage of the coronavirus job retention scheme by the government. Under the scheme, the government will cover 80-per-cent of wages up to £2,500.

Rovers CEO Davide Longo told the club website: “It is still very unclear, we have no end date to this situation and it’s a matter of restructuring the business and cashflow so we survive the next three months without any gate receipts or ancillary income.

“The government and the RFL need to be recognised in what has been pledged so far, they have been very supportive throughout this pandemic and we thank you for providing much needed assistance and finance so we can maintain employment for so many people.

“Most of our staff have been unable to work since the game was suspended, this decision recognises that and puts the club into a dormant period of time, ready to return when rugby league season resumes.

“We thank all our supporters and commercial partners for standing by the club and we will be ready to go when the season kick-offs again.”